Ewan Gordon McGregor was born on March 31, 1971, in Perth, Perthshire, Scotland, to Carol Diane Lawson and James Charles McGregor, both educators who instilled in him a passion for the performing arts. His uncle, actor Denis Lawson, served as a source of inspiration for McGregor's future endeavors.
As a teenager, McGregor left Morrison Academy at the age of 16 to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor, much to the encouragement of his parents. He joined the Perth Repertory Theatre, where he honed his craft and developed his skills as a thespian.
McGregor's formal education in drama began when he studied for a year at Kirkcaldy in Fife, Scotland. He then enrolled at London's prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he was fortunate enough to study alongside fellow talented individuals such as Daniel Craig and Alistair McGowan.
Before graduating, McGregor landed the role of Private Mick Hopper in the Channel 4 series Lipstick on Your Collar (1993),marking a significant turning point in his career. His breakthrough role as Alex Law in Shallow Grave (1994),directed by Danny Boyle, written by John Hodge, and produced by Andrew Macdonald, showcased his versatility as an actor.
McGregor's subsequent performances in The Pillow Book (1995) and Trainspotting (1996) further solidified his position as a rising star in the film industry. His portrayal of Mark Renton in Trainspotting brought him widespread recognition and acclaim, cementing his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
In addition to his impressive filmography, McGregor has also made a name for himself in the world of television. He has portrayed the iconic character Obi-Wan Kenobi in the first three episodes of the Star Wars franchise, a role that has become synonymous with his name.
McGregor's personal life is marked by his marriage to French production designer Eve Mavrakis, whom he met while working on the television series Kavanagh QC (1995). The couple exchanged vows in France during the summer of 1995 and have since welcomed four daughters into their family.
In 1995, McGregor co-founded the production company Natural Nylon with friends Jonny Lee Miller, Sean Pertwee, Jude Law, Sadie Frost, Damon Bryant, Bradley Adams, and Geoff Deehan. The company aimed to create innovative films that deviated from the traditional Hollywood mold. McGregor and Bryant parted ways with the company in 2002.
Throughout his illustrious career, McGregor has received numerous accolades and honors, including the Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2013 Queen's New Year's Honours List for his services to drama and charity.
In 2016, McGregor made his directorial debut with American Pastoral, an adaptation of Philip Roth's novel, in which he also starred. His work in the TV series Fargo (2018) earned him a Golden Globe award, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.
